Invert sugar
Invert sugar is a sweetening ingredient commonly found in various food products. It is a type of sugar derived from sucrose, which is the sugar found in plants like sugarcane and sugar beets. Invert sugar is often used in the food industry to sweeten items such as confectionery, baked goods, and beverages.
To make invert sugar, sucrose is heated with water, which causes it to break down into its components, glucose, and fructose. This process changes the structure of the sugar molecules, making it sweeter and more soluble than regular sucrose. The resulting liquid is known as invert sugar because it can rotate the direction of polarized light.
In food labels, invert sugar appears as an ingredient due to its ability to improve the texture, sweetness, and shelf life of food products. It is commonly used in items like chocolates, candies, jams, and ice creams. Invert sugar helps prevent crystallization in foods like fudge and caramels, giving them a smooth and creamy texture. Its presence also enhances the flavour profile of many sweet treats.
